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CarCareTruth

Sodium Silicate

  • Bases
  • CAS 1344-09-8
  • IUPAC: Sodium silicate

Sodium Silicate (CAS 1344-09-8) appears in 2 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Causes skin and eye irritation at product concentrations (H315, H319). Concentrated solutions are alkaline (pH 11–12) and can cause burns at full strength. At typical working dilutions (10:1) classification is skin and eye irritant only. No asthmagen or Prop 65 concern.

Sodium silicate (waterglass) is an inorganic alkaline compound used as a builder and grease-cutting agent in industrial cleaning products. It contributes the high pH (11–12 range) characteristic of heavy-duty alkaline degreasers, which allows it to saponify oils and lift grease from metal surfaces. At concentrate strength it is an eye and skin irritant (H315, H319); at working dilution concentrations the irritancy profile is reduced but may persist depending on dilution ratio. Sodium silicate is not an organic compound and does not persist as a synthetic chemical — it hydrolyzes to silicic acid and sodium ions, which are environmentally benign. The primary environmental concern is acute pH disruption to aquatic ecosystems if large quantities reach waterways without dilution.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
3/5
Purpose: Alkaline builder and detergency enhancer in cleaning products; acts as a corrosion inhibitor on metal surfaces

Common questions about Sodium Silicate

What is Sodium Silicate used for in car care?
Alkaline builder and detergency enhancer in cleaning products; acts as a corrosion inhibitor on metal surfaces
Is Sodium Silicate a VOC?
No. Sodium Silicate is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Sodium Silicate on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Sodium Silicate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Sodium Silicate biodegradable?
Yes. Sodium Silicate has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

2 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.